Creating a flexibility routine that you can follow on a regular basis isn’t difficult if you understand what you’re doing and can take the time to correctly craft the routine. Stretching and flexibility are two of the most important aspects of overall body health and can provide numerous health benefits if you’re dedicated to working your routine at least three times a week for a fixed period of time.

A flexibility routine can be, well, flexible, and you can incorporate any number of stretches that are most beneficial for your particular needs.

Going Long or Short

The length and the intensity of your flexibility routine will mostly depend on what your goal is. Some people prefer a daily stretching routine focused solely on improving the flexibility of their muscles. Others prefer a quick and easy routine to prepare themselves for a more strenuous activity such as sports or a cardio workout.

Daily stretching routines typically take much longer to complete but are less intense. You can take your time and slowly stretch out each muscle of the body to increase your flexibility. Quick routines are completed at a much faster pace and in a shorter period of time. The stretches will work an entire muscle group or a region of the body at the same time. By combining muscles in your stretching movements, you save time and still prepare yourself appropriately for the activity to follow.

What to Include in Your Flexibility Routine

There are many different types of movements that can be incorporated into a stretching routine. The goal of any of these moves is to stretch the different muscle groups throughout the body to make them stronger and more resistant to injury from sudden or unexpected moves. The stretches in your flexibility routine can either target a single muscle group at a time or incorporate moves that work several muscle groups together.

Any stretch that you choose to include in your flexibility routine can be modified to make the movements more suitable to your fitness level. If you’re having trouble bending a certain way or achieving a full range of motion, then try shortening the stretch and slowly working your way up as you increase your flexibility.